KnowBe4 research finds 86 % of phishing attacks are AI driven
Researcher uncovers exposed stalkerware database targeting European celebrity and identification documents. According to Fowler, the database appeared to have been created by an individual using spyware to monitor another person rather than by the software provider whose name appeared on the system.
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KnowBe4 research finds 86 % of phishing attacks are AI driven
K nowBe4, a global leader in digital workforce security, securing both AI agents and humans, has announced new research, Phishing Threat Trends Report Volume Seven.
The report finds a seismic shift in the attack vectors utilised to conduct phishing attacks, including touchpoints outside of traditional email communication such as calendar invitations and messaging tools.
“ The inbox is no longer the only front line for co-ordinated social engineering attacks,” said Jack Chapman, SVP of Threat Intelligence, KnowBe4.“ Cybercriminals are actively broadening the email threat landscape. As businesses rely on tools for real-time collaboration, cybercriminals have added this to their attacks, along with targeting people’ s calendars. This attack method targets people and technology together. This escalation in scale of threat brings a whole new issue to the forefront.”
“ Social engineering is becoming more targeted, making it more difficult to discern what is legitimate versus what is malicious,” said Chapman.“ The Phishing Threat Trends Report Volume Seven finds that phishing in 2026 is disciplined, persistent, multi-channel and increasingly AI-enabled. As cybercriminals expand their attack channels and evolve their tactics, we must focus our protection efforts on securing humans and the AI agents they utilise.”
Researcher uncovers exposed stalkerware database targeting European celebrity and identification documents. According to Fowler, the database appeared to have been created by an individual using spyware to monitor another person rather than by the software provider whose name appeared on the system.
The screenshots also revealed conversations with influencers, celebrities, business associates, friends and family members. Fowler said the data was publicly accessible without password protection, potentially allowing anyone with an Internet connection to view the material.
ybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler has discovered an unsecured database containing 86,859 screenshots allegedly
C captured through stalkerware installed on the device of a prominent European celebrity, entrepreneur and media personality.
The exposed files reportedly included private conversations from Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok, alongside sensitive information such as phone numbers, emails, invoices, receipts
Stalkerware is a form of spyware designed to secretly monitor devices, often collecting messages, locations, photos and social media activity without the victim’ s consent. In many countries, including across the EU, the use of stalkerware without permission is considered a criminal offence.
“ My goal in publishing these findings is to raise awareness about the risks posed by stalkerware while protecting the identities of those involved,” said Fowler.
“ This case highlights how easily personal communications and online interactions can be monitored when malicious software is present.”
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